“We received the call from Valencia whilst we were in advanced talks with Liverpool. When I heard the call, I told my agent that we were going to go to Valencia and I’m very happy to have reached an agreement with the club.”

Seydou Keita’s Liverpool rejection must have hurt Reds boss Brendan Rodgers as he also failed in his deadline day attempt to bring in Ukrainian winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Liverpool currently lie in the fourth a final Champions League spot despite topping the table in December.

A recent run of just three wins in seven games – including defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City – has seen Liverpool fall behind the title-challengers and further draws to Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion have allowed rivals Everton to close the gap.

However, the most concerning news for Liverpool is not so much their form but their lack of defensive midfielders following the injury to Brazilian international Lucas Leiva. A knee ligament injury means the 27-year-old may not return until the middle of March – missing key games against Arsenal and possibly Manchester United.

Liverpool’s lack of a defensive midfielder was demonstrated most during the 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa two weeks ago. Captain Steven Gerrard attempted to fill in, however he was overrun and couldn’t find the space to impose himself on the game – a weakness likely to be noted by Liverpool’s upcoming opponents.

Brendan Rodgers will have recognised his side's weakness and a short-term deal for a player as experienced as Seydou Keita would have been perfect.

However, it wasn’t to be and another important signing slipped through the net – one which could have a major impact on Liverpool’s quest to finish in the Champions League places at the end of the season.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.